After a brutal losing streak, Seattle fans were running out of hope. Just as the Mariners seemed to be slipping out of contention, a new hero emerged from the most unlikely of places: Etsy.
The story of a local fan, a $16 curse-lifting spell, and the incredible winning streak that followed has become a viral sensation, capturing the hearts of a city desperate for a win.
The Etsy Witch and the Mariners’ incredible turnaround
It all started on September 5th, when a fed-up Mariners fan, Steven Blackburn, took to social media with a final, desperate plea. He announced that he had purchased a curse-lifting spell from an Etsy shop called SpellByLuna for $15.99.
Blackburn, who said the post was initially a joke, had no idea it would spark a phenomenon.
The magic begins: A Seattle Mariners winning streak
The very next day, the Mariners exploded. Seattle put up an astonishing 28 runs in two games against the Atlanta Braves, including a decisive 18-2 victory. From there, the magic seemed to be real.
The Mariners went on a remarkable winning streak, sweeping the Cardinals and beating the Angels. The story quickly went from a niche online joke to a full-blown local obsession.
News outlets from KIRO 7 to Defector started reporting on the “Etsy witch.” The Mariners’ official X (formerly Twitter) account even got in on the fun, posting a “shoutout to the etsy witch” after a win.
Coincidence or real magic? The fan debate
So, is it all just a coincidence? Perhaps. Baseball has always been a game of superstition, from rally caps to lucky socks. The team’s turnaround could be attributed to a number of factors, including a renewed focus, momentum, or a simple return to form.
However, many fans believe the timing is too perfect to be a coincidence. The fan, Steven Blackburn, was invited to throw out the first pitch at a Mariners game. And a game announcer even declared, “The Etsy Witch is real!” after a walk-off win.
The legend has become ingrained in the team’s late-season narrative. So much so that their recent success has been dubbed the ‘Etsy Witch Era’ by fans online.
The unlikeliest of good luck charms: The Mariners’ Etsy spell
The Etsy shop that cast the spell, SpellByLuna, is reportedly no longer taking new orders. It has apparently used all her magical energy on the Mariners’ success.
As for Steven Blackburn, he’s taking the whole thing in stride. He is even encouraging fans who want to pay him back to donate to The Trevor Project instead.
Whether you believe in the power of witchcraft or the simple magic of momentum, one thing is certain: the Mariners have found their stride at the perfect time. And if they end up winning the World Series this year, they may owe one very special Etsy witch a ring.